Page 23 of Moon's Call

“Over three thousand in our immediate pack, plus others who live and work within our territory.” Marybeth stirred honey into her tea. “There are five other territories like ours, each with their own prince. But the Moonshadow pack is special because of our connection to earth magic.”

Lorelei’s fingers tightened around her cup. “About that... you keep calling me ‘Luna.’ Shouldn’t the Luna be a wolf, not a human?”

“Traditionally, yes. When a female wolf reaches maturity, her Luna powers awaken. The alpha must then find and unite with her, or his powers begin to fade.” Marybeth tilted her head. “You’re certainly unprecedented, but there’s no doubt you’re our Luna. The earth responds to you.”

“And this mate thing everyone keeps mentioning?”

“It’s a soul-deep connection. Two halves of one whole, drawn together by forces beyond our understanding.” Marybeth’s expression softened. “Haven’t you felt it? The pull toward Draken?”

Lorelei thought about how her body hummed whenever he was near, how natural it felt to be with him despite the insanity of the situation. “Maybe,” she admitted.

“He’s waited centuries for you, you know. Running this territory alone, handling pack politics, mediating disputes. A Luna shares those responsibilities, makes the burden lighter.”

The weight of what Marybeth was saying settled over Lorelei like a heavy blanket. Her mind drifted to her apartment in the city, her carefully planned career path, her normal life. All of it seemed very far away from this world of ancient wolf princes and magical responsibilities.

“That’s... quite a job description,” she managed.

“Indeed.” Marybeth set down her cup with a knowing smile. “Shall we continue on with your education? There’s still much to cover about pack hierarchy and protocol.”

Lorelei listened as Marybeth detailed the intricate hierarchy of wolf pack dynamics, her architect’s mind trying to organize it all into neat categories.

“The alpha pair - that would be you and Prince Draken - lead the pack. Below them are the beta wolves, like Chuck, who handle enforcement and protection. Then the delta wolves who manage day-to-day operations...”

Lorelei’s tea grew cold as Marybeth explained the complex social structure, complete with rules about eye contact, proper forms of address, and pack etiquette. It was like learning about a whole new culture, complete with its own customs and taboos.

“Never challenge an alpha’s authority in public,” Marybeth cautioned. “And during full moons, the pack runs together - though you’ll need to learn to ride horseback to join them until you’re properly mated.”

“Properly mated?” Lorelei’s cheeks flushed, remembering her intimate encounters with Draken.

Marybeth’s expression turned grave. “Yes. And speaking of that...” She set her cup down with a sharp click. “We need to discuss your current situation. You’re in considerable danger.”

The morning room suddenly felt colder despite the sunlight streaming through the windows. “Because of my powers?”

“Precisely. An unmated Luna with awakened powers is incredibly vulnerable. There are those who would seek to control your abilities for their own gain - usually dark purposes.” Marybeth’s eyes hardened. “The man who attempted to kidnap you won’t be the last.”

The reality of her situation hit Lorelei like a physical blow. Her carefully ordered life - the projects she was designing, her comfortable apartment, even her weekly game nights with friends - all of it was gone now. She couldn’t just go back to normal, not when she had these powers that made her a target.

“But I can’t just...” The room started to tilt alarmingly. “I have deadlines, and clients, and...”

“Your safety must come first,” Marybeth’s voice seemed to come from very far away. “Until you’re properly mated to Prince Draken...”

Lorelei stood abruptly, her vision swimming. The antique furniture blurred together, the gilded mirrors reflecting a thousand spinning images. Her last thought before darkness claimed her was that she really should have eaten breakfast before this conversation.

ELEVEN

DRAKEN

Draken paced the length of the ornate boardroom. Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting large shadows across the polished oak table where Scorpio and Chuck sat reviewing reports.

“The pack’s growing restless,” Chuck said, shuffling through a stack of papers. “Three more complaints this morning about the Luna’s absence.”

Draken’s jaw tightened. The weight of his pack’s expectations pressed down on him like a physical force. “They’ll have to wait.”

“With respect, Alpha,” Scorpio leaned forward, “they’ve been waiting.”

“I’m aware.” Draken’s voice carried an edge that made both men straighten in their seats. The pull toward Lorelei thrummed through his body, a constant reminder of their unmated status. “But she barely understands what a Luna is, let alone the responsibilities that come with it.”

“That’s why you sent Marybeth?” Chuck asked.

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